Rilling said Santo has been placed on administrative leave, and the department will conduct its own investigation to determine whether he violated any department regulations regarding the alleged incident.

Rilling said the allegation stems from an alleged incident five or six years ago that occurred at a private residence in Greenwich. He said it appears to be a one-time occurrence. Rilling added that Santo was not on duty at the time of the incident.

"We have never had any complaints made by anyone about Officer Santo. These allegations come as a surprise to everyone," Rilling said.

Rilling said he could not say anything more about the allegations, and Greenwich police said nothing more would be released at this time.

Second-degree assault, a felony, can be charged in numerous circumstances. Where minors age 13 to 15 are concerned, a person can be charged if the person having sex with the minor is at least two years older than the victim.

In 2003, Santo, with two other officers, was awarded police officer of the month for September after jumping into the water at Norwalk Cove Marina and trying to save a 65-year-old man who drowned after he slipped and hit his head on a dock. Two years ago, Santo served as a police training officer, and for a time, he served in the department's marine unit.

Staff writer John Nickerson can be reached at 203-964-2320 or john.nickerson@scni.com.